THEE RANT

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Eight men suspected of beating and robbing a man in Jamaica were caught on surveillance video, released by police this week.

The victim, a 20-year-old Hispanic male, was walking near the intersection of Liberty Ave. and the Van Wyck Expressway around 1:15 a.m. on June 7 when eight men approached him from behind, struck him with an unknown object and stole his wallet, police said.

Though it was unclear why the NYPD released the video footage more than seven weeks after the crime, community leaders said they were heartened that cops were still on the case. The NYPD did not respond to requests for comment.

All suspects, described as black males, are seen on the video walking toward the camera. One of them, wearing a black sweatshirt, appears to be holding a large, pipe-like object.

"I think it's great that they're still investigating this," said Andrea Crawford, chairwoman of Community Board 9.

The area has several crime hot spots, Crawford said, but added that crime in the 102nd Precinct is generally low. It covers an area that includes Richmond Hill and parts of Jamaica.

Felony assaults in the precinct were up 3.4%, but robberies have declined 29.4% so far this year compared with the same period last year, according to the most recent police statistics.

"I would love it if we had more [police] personnel," Crawford said. "But they work hard with what they have."

Police are also looking for a suspect in a shooting in the 102nd Precinct on July 14.

The suspect, Didier Medor, 30, of Kew Gardens, shot a man three times after a dispute over a chess match, in front of 123-40 83rd Ave., police said.

The victim, a 29-year-old man, was brought to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, police said.

Anyone with tips about either crime can call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

The public can also submit tips to www.nypdcrimestoppers. com, or send a text message to 274637 (Crimes), then enter "TIP577."